Jen Psaki labeled 'demonic' as she dismisses prayer, mocks Trump admin after Minneapolis school shooting

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Former Joe Biden administration spokeswoman and current MSNBC host Jen Psaki ignited a political firestorm on Wednesday, August 27, after dismissing “thoughts and prayers” in response to a deadly shooting at Annunciation Catholic School.

Her comments, which also criticized President Donald Trump’s anti-crime strategy in Washington, DC, drew sharp backlash from conservatives, faith leaders, and gun rights advocates. 

Jen Psaki slams prayer, targets Trump’s crime plan

In a series of posts on X, formerly Twitter, Jen Psaki argued that prayer alone could not end school shootings and appeared to mock Donald Trump’s use of the National Guard to address crime in the nation’s capital.

“Prayer is not freaking enough. Prayers does not end school shootings. prayers do not make parents feel safe sending their kids to school. Prayer does not bring these kids back. Enough with the thoughts and prayers,” Psaki wrote.

She added, “When kids are getting shot in their pews at a catholic school mass and your crime plan is to have National Guard put mulch down around DC maybe rethink your strategy.” Critics accused Psaki of belittling religious faith and exploiting a tragedy for political gain.

Fierce backlash against Jen Psaki’s remarks

Reactions to Jen Psaki’s statements poured in quickly. “I don’t expect a spiritually blind person to understand prayer, but it is real,” said Karen Hamilton, a Virginia House of Delegates candidate. “You should investigate why that is, rather than belittling it.”

Journalist Megan Basham wrote, “Prayer is vital. So is a mentally balanced populace that recognizes reality.”

Washington Examiner contributor Kimberly Ross highlighted that Psaki herself had offered “thoughts and prayers” in 2017 after lawmakers were shot at a congressional baseball practice.

Sean Davis, co-founder of The Federalist, said Psaki’s response mirrored “how an actual demon would respond to Christian children being martyred by a demon-possessed monster.”

"Good of you to point out that the National Guard needs to be deployed to every major Democrat-run city to prevent their mentally ill trans groupies from killing people," Red State reporter Rusty Weiss wrote.

Psaki’s remarks also aligned with calls from gun control advocates, including Mayor Frey, who argue that government action, not prayer alone, is necessary to prevent mass shootings.

President Trump, by contrast, called for prayer for victims and ordered flags lowered to half-staff, while critics of Psaki said faith offers comfort to grieving families even as policy debates continue.

Daily Caller editor Amber Duke responded directly to Psaki: “You don’t understand prayer and what it’s for so kindly keep your bigoted thoughts to yourself until you can circle back with something more intelligent to say."

Minneapolis church shooting leaves two dead

Authorities said two children were killed and 17 others injured when a gunman opened fire through stained-glass windows during morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic School. Witnesses reported 50 to 100 shots fired into the sanctuary, sending terrified students and parents scrambling for cover.

“It was the first week of school. They were in a church,” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said emotionally at a press briefing. “Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying.” The shooter was found dead at the scene.

Law enforcement identified the suspect as Robin Westman, 23, who previously went by the name Robert before legally changing it in 2019. Court documents note the change reflected Westman’s transgender identification.

Investigators reported recovering an 11-minute YouTube manifesto and weapons marked with messages such as “Kill Trump Now!” and “Where is Your God?” Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk noted that the shooter had affixed a target with Jesus’ face to one weapon and referenced extremist and antisemitic slogans.

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